Media: Fianna Dickson, 509.625.6297 Riverfront: 509.625.6600
Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 3:48 p.m.
Sunlight exposure and warmer daytime weather over the past few days are keeping Riverfront from building ice to the thickness necessary to reopen The Ribbon for ice skating this season. The refrigeration system is functioning properly and would have allowed Riverfront to maintain the thicker, existing sheet of ice that was in place before a component of the refrigeration system failed last month.
“We are very disappointed that we couldn’t get the ice to hold so we could re-open for the community this month,” said Leroy Eadie, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Spokane. “We hoped we could provide more of the ice skating experience this season that the community enjoyed so much. The good news is that we now have a functioning system for ice next season, and we learned some important lessons about how the system works best. Now, we are focused on providing spring recreation opportunities for citizens on The Ribbon, and opening the south bank attractions over the next two months.”
Spring and Summer Activities
The warmer weather will see:
Equipment Failure
The ice ribbon was scheduled to close March 4, but on February 3 an equipment failure required repairs in order to operate the refrigeration system. With necessary repairs made under warranty, the system is functioning again and cooling the slab as intended.
While ice building took place over the last couple of days, on Monday, sunshine and warmer temperatures reversed the progress. The refrigeration system is functioning, and we could be maintaining ice, but given the weather this week, we can’t cool the slab down enough to fully maintain the ice we are making.
Season Pass Holders
We apologize for the disruption of the 2017/2018 ice season. In recognition for the loss of use by our valued Unlimited Pass holders, Riverfront Spokane will be extending all Unlimited Passes for an additional 30 days at the beginning of the 2018/2019 ice season. Additionally, Unlimited Pass holders choosing to renew next season will receive a 25% discount off the price of their new pass.
Redevelopment Update
As redevelopment progress continues, fencing now surrounds the North Bank along the Promenade, closing the Howard Street pedestrian bridges including the blue bridge through fall 2018. Here is a map of detour routes. Detours through the park will take visitors either across the suspension bridges or the Washington Street bridge. Parking Lot 2 will remain accessible for a time, but will be closed for construction later this spring/summer. The detour of the Centennial Trail will remain open for access.
The Looff Carrousel, Howard Street Bridge South and Rotary Fountain are scheduled to open this spring.
About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation
The City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is the place to go for events, activities, classes and more. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting our website at spokaneparks.org. For more information, follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook and Twitter.
The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
